Do Sex Addicts Experience Withdrawal?

It is common knowledge that alcoholics and drug addicts, when they suddenly go “cold turkey,” sometimes experience withdrawal – delirium tremens, chills, fevers, insomnia, night sweats, headaches, nausea, diarrhea, tachycardia (elevated heartrate), hypertension, depression, agitation, anxiety, hallucinations, irritability, and the like. But what about sex addicts? Do we get the DTs and hallucinate the same as alcoholics and heroin addicts? Typically, we do not. This does not, however, mean that a sudden stoppage of addictive sexual fantasy and activity does not produce withdrawal. For us, though, withdrawal tends to be more psychological than physical, resulting in anxiety, depression, irritability, and similar feelings.

Just for TodayThink about your emotional/psychological response to going “cold turkey” with your sex addiction. Share about this with your therapist, sponsor, or in a 12-step recovery meeting.